The best team won, says Penn

Israel made an impressive start to the European Nations Cup Qualifying Group B2 season with a 48-22 victory over highly-rated Serbia.

Fears that Israel, who earned promotion last season, would be outclassed were soon banished amid a flurry of tries in front of a crowd of 1,500 at the Wingate Institute.

The hosts made a dream start when Ronen Tollman beat four players to score the first of eight tries five minutes into the game. Nimrod Kaplan (2), Misha Eli, Matan Brosh, Ethan Humphries, Adrian Reinstein and Modi
Radshkovits also went over the line in an impressive performance.

Israel coach Ra’anan Penn said: "We thought it would be tougher but it soon became apparent that we were more organised and a better team.

"This result has given us confidence and we believe we can clinch back-to-back promotions."